If Only Dogs Could Live Forever!

Like the pack behavior of wolves, dogs have evolved to consume large quantities of food in a single sitting. You can see this trait to gorge and overeat in several popular dog breeds like Labrador Retrievers. Precisely why you need to monitor meals to control food consumption and prevent unhealthy weight gain or indigestion. This being said, at Royal Caninbelieve that every dog is unique, from the flat-faced Pug to the obesity-prone Labrador retriever. Through a lifetime dedicated to learning more about pet dogs, and partnering with pet experts, we have created dog food based on size, breed, life stages and other parameters.

After a lifetime of delighting you with boundless frisky energy and endless tail-wagging moments, time can catch up with your once young puppy. When it does, is often a matter of what breedof dog you own and its size.

The size to longevity relationship

Breed and weight to size ratios influence the longevity and the onset of maturity in your dog. A dog is mature at 50% of life expectancy. Minidogs start ageing at 8 years,mediumdogs at 7 years and maxidogs at 5 years.

Two invisible phases of maturity.

#1 starts in the middle of the expected life span. Effects of age are less visible.

#2 starts at two-thirds of life expectancy. Effects are more apparent.

Ageing progresses slowly, but it can be observed from a senior dog behavior. The first signs are a general decrease in activity, including longer, deeper nap times, a lack of enthusiasm for walks and games, and a general loss of interest.

The 12 signs of ageing

• Slower movements – less energy

• Change in coat colour - greying or whitening

• Weight loss in senior dogs

• Change in behavior - responsiveness to the family

• Dental problems and build-up of tartar

• Senses become less acute

• Loss of interest in food

• Confusion about day and night

• Skin issues

• Urinary and gastro-intestinal difficulties

• Bone and musculoskeletal

• Cardio-vascular ailments

Feeding senior dogs

Some senior dogs show disinterest in eating and lack weight gain. If they normally eat senior dry dog food, then there might be decreased consumption due to chewing large kibbles. So you might want to try with smaller pieces or switching to senior wet dog food.

Age-appropriate care and nutrition

We all wish if only dogs could live forever. Until then, caring for senior dogs is not just your responsibility but it’s the least that they deserve. And it begins with feeding them appropriately.

Ensure that your dog is fed as per his age. The senior dog nutrition should contain the right amount of very high quality, highly digestible proteins to help maintain his vitality, support skin and coat health, and facilitate digestive quality.

Royal Caninoffers an age-adapted diet for feeding senior dogs. This helps maintain vitality in the first stage, and supports healthy ageing in the second phase.